Pender County · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Pender County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
PAS-TRAN Public Transportation Funding
PAS-TRAN is the county's only public transportation service, providing 21,128 rides last year including 1,811 wheelchair trips. The board was asked to hold a hearing on and approve $165,908 in local match funding for federal grants that keep the buses running.
Tax Collection and Foreclosure
The board was set to take up the 2025 tax settlement, an order to collect 2026 and prior tax years, and a discussion of tax foreclosure and associated legal services.
Housing Voucher Program Shortfall
Two housing items were slated: a Project Based Voucher housing assistance contract and a resolution to cover a projected Housing Choice Voucher shortfall using the county's unrestricted net position. Together they address how the county keeps rental assistance flowing for lower-income residents.
Proposed budget with 2-cent tax increase
County Manager Sawyer said the new budget coming June 15 includes a 2-cent tax increase. Groves flatly opposed it and Tate called it an insult to taxpayers given unresolved appraisal appeal errors.
NC Capital Needs Based Grant / Tier Status
Pender keeps losing the state school construction grant because it's classified tier 3 — grants go to tier 1 and 2 counties. The county's last ask was $62 million for a new high school. Leaders plan to lobby Raleigh to fix the tier classification.